Building Heroes Runners Take on the Great North Run in Support of the Armed Forces Community
Building Heroes Runners Take on the Great North Run in Support of the Armed Forces Community
Building Heroes Education Foundation is delighted to celebrate an incredible team of runners from across our community who will be taking on the AJ Bell Great North Run 2026, in partnership with fellow Armed Forces charity Military vs Cancer.
This exciting collaboration brings together two charities with a shared commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Through this partnership, our runners will be raising vital funds to support both Military vs Cancer, which helps serving personnel, veterans and their families facing cancer, and Building Heroes, which supports Service Leavers, Veterans, Reservists and military family members into new careers through training, support and employment pathways.
As part of the fundraising partnership, every pound raised by Building Heroes runners will be split:
* 70% to Military vs Cancer, supporting individuals and families affected by cancer within the Armed Forces community.
* 30% to Building Heroes, helping us continue to provide life-changing training, employability support and transition pathways for those moving beyond service.
Meet the Building Heroes Great North Runners
We are incredibly proud to introduce the runners who have already stepped forward to take on this iconic challenge.
From Velocity, we are delighted to have Lee Gray and Dominic Gardener joining the team.
From Davidsons Homes, we are thrilled to have Jade Costello, Paul Chester, Brenden Austin, Jed Reece and Jordan Gott taking part. We are especially proud that Jed and Jordan are also Building Heroes alumni, showing the power of our community continuing to give back.
From Darlington College, a valued Building Heroes academy partner, we are delighted that Chris Wells will also be lacing up his running shoes in support of this fantastic cause.
Each runner is taking on the challenge not only to complete one of the UK’s most iconic running events, but to help raise awareness and funds for two charities working to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Armed Forces community.
Support Our Runners
You can support our Great North Run team by visiting their individual fundraising pages below:
Paul Chester
https://AJBellgreatnorthrun2026.enthuse.com/pf/paul-chester
Lee Gray
https://AJBellgreatnorthrun2026.enthuse.com/pf/lee-gray
Dominic Gardener
https://AJBellgreatnorthrun2026.enthuse.com/pf/dominic-gardener
Jade Costello
https://AJBellgreatnorthrun2026.enthuse.com/pf/jade-costello
Jordan Gott
https://AJBellgreatnorthrun2026.enthuse.com/pf/jordan-gott
Brenden Austin
https://AJBellgreatnorthrun2026.enthuse.com/pf/brenden-austin
Chris Wells
https://AJBellgreatnorthrun2026.enthuse.com/pf/chris-wells-cb422
Jed Reece
https://AJBellgreatnorthrun2026.enthuse.com/pf/jed-reece
Every donation, message of encouragement and share of their fundraising pages will help power their steps and raise vital funds for both charities.
Collaboration with Shared Purpose
Building Heroes is proud to be working alongside Military vs Cancer through this Armed Forces charity collaboration. Both organisations understand the importance of community, practical support and standing alongside those who have served, as well as their families, when they need it most.
For Military vs Cancer, the funds raised will help support serving personnel, veterans and military families affected by cancer.
For Building Heroes, the funds raised will help more people access our barrier-breaking training and support, enabling Service Leavers, Veterans, Reservists and military family members to build confidence, develop new skills and take positive steps towards employment beyond service.
Thank You to Our Runners
To Lee, Dominic, Jade, Paul, Brenden, Jed, Jordan and Chris - thank you.
Your commitment, energy and willingness to take on this challenge will help change lives. We are incredibly proud to have you representing Building Heroes and supporting this brilliant collaboration with Military vs Cancer.
Over the coming months, we will be sharing updates from our runners as they prepare for race day, including their training journeys, fundraising efforts and stories from the road to the Great North Run.
Please join us in cheering them on and supporting their fundraising efforts.
Support our runners today and help make every mile matter.
